Amsterdam to Maastricht

Amsterdam to Maastricht 

Day 1: Amsterdam - Weesp, 6 mi. (11 km)
Day 2: Weesp - Utrecht | Utrecht - Vianen, 28 mi. (47 km)
Day 3: Vianen - Gorinchem, 26 mi. (41 km) | Gorinchem - Heusden, 25 mi. (41 km)
Day 4: Heusden – Maasbommel | Maasbommel – Cuijk, 24 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Cuijk – Arcen, 32 mi. (53 km) 
Day 6: Arcen – Venlo – Roermond, 30 mi. (50 km) 
Day 7: Roermond – Born| Born – Maastricht, 25 mi. (42 km)
Day 8: Maastricht

 Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

Day 1: Amsterdam - Weesp, 6 mi. (11 km)
The barges will be moored at the Oosterdok. Boarding takes place between 1 and 2 pm, after which the barge will set sail to Weesp at 2:30 pm. Once fortified and now with a protected historical center, several of the bastions, moats, and forts still survive. Many canals and buildings date from the 17th and 18th centuries. Weesp has three full-size historical windmills. With its quiet charm, small bridges, and picturesque canals, Weesp is the perfect first stop after Amsterdam.

Day 2: Weesp - Utrecht - Vianen, 28 mi. (47 km)
Your bike tour starts in Weesp and you will cycle along the beautiful meandering river Vecht with impressive mansions on its banks. Along the way, you will visit a real Dutch cheese farm, where cheese is still produced according to traditional methods. You will meet the barge in the city of Utrecht and from there you will sail the Amsterdam-Rhine canal to Vianen, a small fortified town on the river Lek.

Day 3: Vianen - Gorinchem, 25 mi. (41 km) | Gorinchem - Heusden 
Through a typical Dutch landscape, along the Merwedekanaal, the route leads to Leerdam a little town on the banks of the river Linge. Later you continue biking on the beautiful roads along the Linge to Gorinchem, a charming town on the river Waal. After a visit, you will join the barge to Heusden.

Day 4: Heusden – Maasbommel | Maasbommel – Cuijk, 24 mi. (40 km) 
During breakfast the ship sails from Heusden to Maasbommel, a village on the Maas river. Here your bike tour will start, leading you along the Maas river to cities such as Ravenstein and Grave. Both are medieval cities. In Ravenstein you can visit Tanner’s Cottages and in Grave, you will see canons from the time of Napoleon. Grave has also played an important role in Operation Market Garden during the second world war because it was situated near an important bridge. This bridge is now called John S. Thompson Bridge. Following the Maas River, you will meet the barge in Cuijk where you will spend the night. The St. Martin's Church, a neo-gothic church houses very well kept baroque-organ (built 1639-1650). This organ is one of the oldest in the Netherlands.

Day 5: Cuijk – Arcen, 29 mi. (48 km) 
Today a magnificent bike tour is scheduled. You cycle along the Maas valley to Afferden and Heyen. The route continues through National Park Maasduinen to Well where you will find the Well castle with its heavy round brick tower dating from the 14th century.  The destination for today is Arcen. Here you may visit the famous castle gardens with a great variety; the Rosarium, with ten different rose gardens; the water- and sculpture garden; the Lommerijk, with shades, waterfalls and streamlets; the Valley, offering six 'international' gardens ; Casa Verde, offering Mediterranean and tropical gardens; the Golf garden,with a view at the largest waterfall in the Netherlands.

Day 6: Arcen – Venlo – Roermond, 30 mi. (50 km) 
Again your bike route follows the Maas river. Here and there you cross by ferry or bridge in order to follow the most interesting paths. The first stop is Venlo, with many historical monuments and a lively inner city. At lunchtime, you arrive in Kessel, one of the oldest villages along the Meuse. There you cross over to the other bank and continue the bike ride to the beautiful village of Beesel, where the grain mill 'grey bear' stands proudly along the river. Today's tour ends in the city of Roermond, where the river Roer and Maas come together. Roermond is known for its rich cultural heritage. Since 1559 it has been a bishop city. In the center, you will find many historical buildings. Roermond is also the city of Pierre Cuypers, according to many of the most important Dutch architect of the 19th century. He is the architect of the Rijksmuseum and Central Station in Amsterdam.

Day 7: Roermond – Born| Born – Maastricht, 25 mi. (42 km) 
Today, the cycling tour continues through charming villages and the beautiful landscape of the province of Limburg. First stop is Thorn, the ‘white Village’ on the Dutch/Belgian border known for its cobblestone streets and white painted houses. The only colored building is the 14th-century church. From Thorn, you cycle across the Dutch / Belgian border to the Belgian city Maaseik. This city is famous for the painters Hubert and Jan van Eyck. On the market square, you will see typical Renaissance-style houses with their impressive facades. You can also take the opportunity to have a nice Belgian "pint" on this beautiful square. You will find the ship in Born, from where you sail to Maastricht. Maastricht, the capital of the province is a beautifully preserved city with Roman roots. In this town, you find the treasure house of the St. Servaas Church, the Bonnefanten museum for art and antiquity, and the Kazematten, a system of underground fortress works from the 18th century. In addition to these places of interest, it is also worthwhile visiting the marl caves, or just to thoroughly enjoy yourself on the Vrijthof. You will not get bored!

Day 8: Departure
Disembarkation by 9:30 am.

Maastricht to Amsterdam

Day 1: Maastricht, 3 mi. (5 km)
Day 2: Maastricht – Born | Born – Roermond, 24 mi. (40 km)  
Day 3: Roermond – Venlo – Arcen, 30 mi. (50 km) 
Day 4: Arcen - Cuijk, 32 mi. (53 km)
Day 5: Cuijk - Maasbommel | Maasbommel - Heusden, 24 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Heusden - Gorinchem | Gorinchem - Vianen, 25 mi. (41 km)
Day 7: Vianen - Breukelen | Breukelen - Amsterdam, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 8: Amsterdam

Day 1: Maastricht
In Maastricht, the barge will be moored north of the Wilhelmina bridge. Check in begins at 1 pm. There is time to explore the city of Maastricht, a beautifully preserved city with Roman roots. In this town, you find the treasure house of the St. Servaas Church, the Bonnefanten museum for art and antiquity, and the Kazematten, a system of underground fortress works from the 18th century. In addition to these places of interest, it is also worthwhile visiting the marl caves, or just to thoroughly enjoy yourself on the Vrijthof. You will not get bored! After dinner, you can test the bikes (approx 10 km/6 miles).

Day 2: Maastricht – Born | Born – Roermond, 24 mi. (40 km)
During breakfast, you join the barge to Born via the Juliana Canal, where you disembark at the locks. From here you bike over the Dutch/Belgian border into Belgium to Maaseik. This town is famous for the painters Hubert and Jan van Eyck. At the market square, you see typical renaissance houses with their impressive facades. You can also use the opportunity to try a Belgian “pint” on this beautiful square. Then you continue to Thorn, the 'white Village' on the Dutch/Belgian border known for its cobblestone streets and white painted houses. The only building that is not white is the 14th-century church. Our destination for today is the city of Roermond, where the river Roer and Maas come together. Roermond is known for a rich cultural heritage. Since 1559 it has been a bishop city. In the center, you will find many historical buildings. Roermond is also the city of Pierre Cuypers, according to many, the most important Dutch architect of the 19th century. He is the architect of the Rijksmuseum and Central Station in Amsterdam. 

Day 3: Roermond – Venlo – Arcen, 30 mi. (50 km) 
Today you start biking from Roermond. First, you follow the river on the east bank to the beautiful village of Beesel, where the grain mill 'grey bear' stands proudly along the river. You cross over to the other bank to Kessel. Kessel is one of the oldest villages on the Meuse. At lunchtime, you arrive in Venlo, with many historical moments and a lively inner city. In the afternoon you ride to Arcen, a former fortified town on the banks of the Meuse. There you can visit the beautiful castle gardens: the Rosarium, with ten different rose gardens; the water and sculpture garden; the Lommerrijk, with shadows, waterfalls and streams; the valley, with six international gardens; Casa Verde, with Mediterranean and tropical gardens; the golf garden, overlooking the largest waterfall in the Netherlands.

Day 4: Arcen - Cuijk, 29 mi. (48 km)
 Today a magnificent bike tour is on the program. First, you will bike pass Well where you find the Well castle with its heavy round brick tower dating from the 14th century. You continue through the National Park Maasduinen close to the German border. Around lunchtime, you arrive in Afferden. You will find the barge again in Cuijk, another interesting city on the banks of the Maas. The St. Martins Church, a neo-gothic church houses very well kept baroque-organ (built 1639-1650). This organ is one of the oldest in the Netherlands

Day 5: Cuijk - Maasbommel | Maasbommel - Heusden, 24 mi. (40 km)
Today you bike from Cuijk along the Maas River to the cities Grave and Ravenstein. Both are medieval cities. In Grave, you will see canons from the time of Napoleon. Grave has also played an important role in Operation Market Garden during the second world war because it was situated near an important bridge. This bridge is now called John S. Thompson Bridge. From Maasbommel you will join the barge again on which you will have a nice sail to Heusden, a very beautifully restored fortified city.

Day 6: Heusden - Gorinchem | Gorinchem - Vianen, 25 mi. (41 km)
In the morning you will join the barge to Gorinchem, a charming town on the river Waal. From there you cycle through a typical Dutch landscape to Leerdam a little town on the banks of the river Linge. Leerdam is famous for its classwork. In the afternoon you continue to Vianen, a small fortified town on the river Lek.

Day 7: Vianen - Breukelen | Breukelen - Amsterdam, 26 mi. (42 km)
You will sail during breakfast. Today’s bike tour, that starts in Breukelen leads along the winding river Vecht to Amsterdam. In Loenen you will visit a mill. Final destination is Amsterdam, where you can take a tour through the canals or visit the Rijksmuseum or the van Gogh museum.

Day 8: Amsterdam
End of tour. Disembarkation after breakfast, by 9:30 am.

Amsterdam to Maastricht

Day 1: Amsterdam, 10 mi. (17 km)
Day 2: Amsterdam - Utrecht - Vianen, 26 mi. (40 km)
Day 3: Vianen - Leerdam - Woudrichem, 21 mi. (30 km)
Day 4: Woudrichem - Den Bosch, 27 mi. (45 km)
Day 5: Den Bosch - Grave, 22 mi. (36 km)
Day 6: Grave - Nijmegen, 10 mi. (15 km)
Day 7: Nijmegen - Groesbeek - Cuijk, 12 mi. (20 km)
Day 8: Cuijk - Gennep - Arcen, 30 mi. (50 km)
Day 9: Arcen - Venlo - Roermond, 18 - 30 mi. (33 - 55 km)
Day 10: Roermond - Born - Maastricht, 22 mi. (37 km)
Day 11: Mastricht

Day 1: Amsterdam, 10 mi. (17 km)
Arrival on board the Elodie in Amsterdam where the crew will welcome you with a nice cup of coffee or tea. You will be introduced to the crew and enjoy a tour presentation. You will take a short bike tour through the rural area of Amsterdam North to get comfortable with your bike. In the evening, after dinner, your guide will take you for a walk through Amsterdam.

Day 2: Amsterdam - Utrecht - Vianen, 26 mi. (40 km)
Early in the morning, the Elodie will start sailing for Nigtevecht where this day's cycling tour will start. You can enjoy the scenery of mansions in a beautiful surrounding and cycle along one of the country’s most beautiful rivers,  Vecht, with its many mansions and splendid gardens, to Vianen, where you will spend the night. In the evening, you can pay a visit to this town.

Day 3: Vianen - Leerdam - Woudrichem, 21 mi. (30 km)
From Vianen, you cycle through Vijfherenlanden to Leerdam, famous for its glasswork and will view the art of glass blowing. The town itself is well worth a visit. The river Vecht is lined with the most beautiful houses, but the river Linge along which you cycle certainly has the most beautiful nature. You arrive in Gorinchem, a charming town on the river Waal. After Gorinchem you will take the ferry to Woudrichem. An old fortified town on the banks of the river Waal. In the old harbor,  you will spend the night.

Day 4: Woudrichem - Den Bosch, 27 mi. (45 km)
Along high dikes, passing beautiful farmhouses,  you will cycle along to Heusden on the Maas river. The Meuse is 925 km. long. It starts in France, passes through Rotterdam, and empties into the North Sea. The Meuse is referred to as a “rain river” which means the state of the water is whimsical. You will see today that ferries are important. They are served by local volunteers who exemplify the skill necessary to live in a country that has more water than land. The volunteers may be farmers and old skippers who have a love of being on the water. For cyclists, it signifies that you can cycle through the most beautiful areas, choosing the best side of the river. You may have a coffee break in old Heusden, one of the many beautiful, fortified towns on the route. The fortress structure remains clearly visible. You will have time to walk around and have lunch. At the end the day you find yourself in the Burgundian’s Hertogenbosch, also called the Den Bosch after the famous painter Jeroen Bosch. You can find out more about him in the Jheronimus Bosch Art Centre or lose yourself in this Burgundian city with its abundance of cafes and shops. Last but not least, don’t forget the impressive St. John’s Cathedral. It will, however, be part of your after-dinner walk.

Day 5: Den Bosch - Grave, 22 mi. (36 km)
You cycle from village to village, more or less following the Meuse. There are large natural areas with Galloway cattle and sometimes wild horses. You will find a nice scenic place on the Maas for lunch and coffee.

Day 6: Grave - Nijmegen, 10 mi. (15 km)
Today a relaxed day with a short ride to have plenty of time in Nijmegen as there is much to be seen. This town played an important role in operation Market GardenWorld and there are WWII memorials that can be visited.  There is an opportunity for lovely shopping, strolling, or you can even try your luck at the casino on the waterfront of the Waal River.

Day 7: Nijmegen - Groesbeek - Cuijk, 12 mi. (20 km)
Though the cycling distance is not great today, the route can be a bit hilly. Through farmland, over the mokerhay, the route leads to Groesbeek. This is a lovely town very close to the German border where you can step on German soil if only for a short moment. Then it is off to Cuijk where you will find the Elodie waiting for you. 

Day 8: Cuijk - Gennep - Arcen, 30 mi. (50 km)
This day offers a magnificent river Maas cycle route. You cycle along the Maas valley to Afferden and Heyen and Gennep. A beautiful town with a rich history. It was only in 1839 the town became Duch. At the Geneva convention, it was decided that the Germans should keep a cannonball’s flight away from the river Maas. The trip continues past the recreational area Leuken-Bergerheide to Well where we find Well castle with its heavy round brick tower dating from the 14th century. From Well, we cycle several kilometers further through the Maas valley to Arcen. The famous castle gardens of Arcen here reveal their beauty in scents and color. Broekhuizen is the rose cultivation center of the Netherlands, and you spend the night in the middle of this haven of rest and beauty. Arcen is the hometown of the Hertog Jan Brewery. If you are a beer fan it is time to have a taste.

Day 9: Arcen - Venlo - Roermond, 18 or 30 mi. (33 or 55 km)
Via the Broekhuizen ferry, you cycle to the Castle of Arcen with its beautiful gardens. Continuing to the city of Venlo you will have some time to walk around and have a coffee. The cyclists that want to do the short ride will get off here to meet the others. Along the way, you will pass Kessel’s Castle with a magnificent terrace on the waterfront. Either here or a little bit further up the river at café the Rosegarden, you can stop for lunch. An excellent opportunity to have a taste of Limburg’s Vlaai. A specialty from the province of Limburg. Arrival in Roermond where you spend the night within walking distance of the town center.

Day 10: Roermond - Born - Maastricht, 22 mi. (37 km)
First stop will be Maasbracht. The lock’s at Maasbracht overcome the largest drop of the river Maas about 12 meters. Maasbracht is the center of inland shipping and has a very interesting museum dedicated to river shipping that is operated by retired skippers. We arrive in Thorn via Heel and Wessem. Thorn is called “the white town” and you will immediately realize why. This pilgrim's town from the year 922 AD has been the capital of a ministate that has been run by women for 800 years. We now cycle further through Belgium to Maaseik. This town is famous for the painters Hubert and Jan van Eyck. On the market square, you see typical renaissance houses with their impressive facades. For he/she who dares, there is opportunity to try a Belgian “pint” on this beautiful square. Via the Driebeukenbos and Stokkum, you arrive back at the river Maas. A little further along the Juliana canal, the Elodie is waiting for you in front of the Born lock. We pass through the lock with its drop of more than 11 meters and continue to Maastricht. In Maastricht, there is an opportunity to stroll along this magnificent city with lots of culture, history and fine architecture maybe ending up on one of the many terraces on the main square to enjoy the atmosphere.

Day 11: Maastricht
End of tour. Departure after breakfast.

Maastricht to Amsterdam itinerary is pending.